If you’re living with atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema) and are dealing with sensitive and sore skin, you know that finding effective yet nonirritating skin-care products can be challenging. Sunscreen is no exception.

According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), individuals with the chronic skin condition can have a negative reaction to ingredients in sunscreen. Plus, a small number of people experience photoallergic contact dermatitis, a skin reaction that occurs when the sun activates an ingredient found in sunscreen, perfume, or medication.

But sunscreen is very important, not only to protect your skin from cancer and damage but also because sunburn can worsen atopic dermatitis by provoking the itch-scratch cycle, notes the NEA.

This guide can help you understand which sunscreen ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid, along with other tips on how to use sunscreen when you have eczema.

The Benefits of Sunscreen for People With Atopic Dermatitis

Your quest to find an eczema-friendly sunscreen is worthwhile. After all, excessive sun exposure can lead to sunburn in anyone, including people with atopic dermatitis.

“Sunburns compromise the skin barrier, which is already compromised in people with eczema, and can lead to flares. Regularly using sunscreen can help prevent this from occurring,” says Jeffrey Cohen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

While the sunscreen itself doesn’t directly strengthen the skin barrier, it will protect your skin from the sun. A study published in December 2019 in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials found that UV light weakens the bonds between cells in the stratum corneum, the top layer of skin, by damaging the proteins that help skin cells adhere together. Dr. Cohen says that sunburns in general accelerate skin aging, increase the risk of skin cancer, and increase skin dryness.

Sun Exposure and Atopic Dermatitis

The last time you were out in the sun, you may have found that your atopic dermatitis improved. This makes sense, Cohen explains, because sun exposure may decrease the inflammatory mechanism behind eczema flare-ups. Phototherapy or light therapy is used for this very purpose. “Phototherapy, a commonly used treatment for eczema, involves exposure to certain safe wavelengths of light that are emitted by the sun,” Cohen says.

While it isn’t exactly clear how sunlight improves eczema, there is some scientific evidence, described in an article in the May 2015 Journal of Clinical Medicine, that vitamin D may improve the skin condition by regulating influence on both the immune system and skin barrier function. Meanwhile, other research, such as a study published in June 2017 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, suggests that exposure to UV light may promote the release of nitric oxide into the bloodstream, triggering an anti-inflammatory response.

What to Avoid in a Sunscreen if You Have Atopic Dermatitis

If you’re living with atopic dermatitis, reading ingredient labels is absolutely crucial. More important than what to look for in a sunscreen — or any cosmetic product, for that matter — is what to avoid. There are specific ingredients known to cause flare-ups, which the NEA details on its website.

Fragrances

If you have eczema, try to avoid fragrance, Cohen says. The NEA explains that fragrance is a relatively common allergen that can be irritating for anyone with sensitive skin. This goes for natural fragrances, including essential oils. Why? Many people have an inflammatory reaction to fragrance. “Many sunscreens have fragrances in them, so it is important to look out for this and choose products without any fragrances,” he says.

Chemicals

Cohen also suggests avoiding any sunscreens that use chemical products to block the sun, “as chemical sunscreens can be irritating,” he explains. Indeed, the NEA awards its Seal of Acceptance only to physical sunscreen products containing titanium, zinc oxide, and iron, and does not give the seal to any chemical UV absorbers such as chemical-based sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens typically include active ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, and octinoxate, according to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Oxybenzone and avobenzone in particular are two common allergens in sunscreen that have been linked to allergic contact dermatitis, so to be on the safe side, avoid products containing these ingredients, the NEA advises.

Among chemical UV filters found in sunscreen, oxybenzone is the leading allergen and photoallergen, according to a review published in Dermatology and Therapy in April 2021.

A cohort study published in September 2019 in the International Journal of Women's Dermatology analyzed 52 bestselling sunscreens for allergenic ingredients, and found the most common low-prevalence allergens were chemical sunscreen ingredients avobenzone, octocrylene, and oxybenzone, and the most common high-prevalence allergen was fragrance.

If you suspect you have an allergy or sensitivity to an ingredient in your sunscreen, ask your dermatologist about performing a patch test.

Alcohol

Alcohol, which is common in sunscreen sprays, can be irritating, explains Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and a clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. “They can sting and cause irritation.” There are several ways alcohol can be listed on skin-care products. Some of the most common per the FDA include ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl, or lanolin alcohol.

What to Look for in a Sunscreen for Atopic Dermatitis

It's fairly easy to find an effective and nonirritating sunscreen if you can identify a few key terms on the packaging. Here are some to look for.

Mineral-Based UV Filters

When it comes to choosing a sunscreen that works for atopic dermatitis, Saedi agrees with the NEA that those containing mineral-based UV filters such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the best options, as they are nonirritating.

Why? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that chemical sunscreens allow UV rays to absorb into the skin, where a chemical reaction converts the light into heat, thereby dissipating it. Saedi says that an allergic reaction can occur at the point where the chemical sunscreen penetrates the skin. Alternatively, mineral sunscreen prevents the rays from penetrating the skin, thus preventing eczema flare-ups caused by allergic reactions to sunscreen chemicals.

Broad-Spectrum Protection

Both UVA and UVB rays are damaging to the skin, so it’s important to look for a sunscreen that is labeled as providing broad spectrum protection, Saedi urges.

An SPF of at Least 30

Most healthcare professionals, as well as the AAD, advise using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.

UVB rays cause sunburn and play a key role in developing skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. A sunscreen’s SPF number refers mainly to the amount of UVB protection it provides. However, UVA rays also cause skin damage and the shortest wavelengths contribute to sunburn.

Alcohol-Free

As Saedi mentioned, alcohol has a drying effect on skin, and can be particularly irritating for those with sensitive skin issues, including eczema. For the least irritating experience, steer clear of sunscreens that contain alcohol.

NEA’s Seal of Acceptance

The NEA’s Seal of Acceptance evaluates product ingredients and testing data to determine if a product is suitable for use by those living with atopic dermatitis and other forms of eczema. This helps ensure products are less likely to cause a reaction in those with eczema or other sensitive skin conditions.

Tips on How to Apply Sunscreen

Cohen suggests applying a generous coat of sunscreen evenly to all exposed areas. The AAD notes that the majority of people apply 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount; most adults will need about an ounce, or “enough to fill a shot glass” to completely cover their body. “It is important to remember to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas, including the ears, which are often missed,” Cohen points out.

Also, the AAD suggests applying sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes prior to exposure. And Saedi emphasizes the importance of reapplying every two hours, “but sooner if you are in the water,” she says.

According to the NEA, you should never apply sunscreen to damaged or broken skin. You can wear bandages or protective clothing over those areas to avoid infection and protect your skin from the sun.

The Best Eczema-Friendly Sunscreens, According to Dermatologists

Here are some products to try.

CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Face Lotion

Saedi is a big fan of all CeraVe products for those who are living with atopic dermatitis, especially this high-SPF sunscreen. Specially formulated to provide effective UV protection on sensitive facial skin, CeraVe sunscreen features a lightweight and oil-free formula that is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. It contains three essential ceramides, the lipid or fat molecules that form a bond and help restore and maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier, and dries to a clear finish.

$15.99, Ulta.com

Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Stick SPF 50

Suitable for use on even the littlest people managing atopic dermatitis (Saedi uses this on her own children), this sunscreen stick provides broad spectrum SPF 50 sun protection and is made with 100 percent naturally sourced ingredients to be gentle on the most sensitive skin. It provides up to 80 minutes of water-resistant coverage, and bears the NEA’s Seal of Acceptance.

$9.79, Neutrogena.com

Vanicream Sunscreen Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 35

Cohen recommends this nongreasy lotion for those with extremely sensitive skin. It is free of most irritants — dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, other preservatives, oil, odor, and gluten — and offers broad spectrum protection for up to 80 minutes.

$15.95, Amazon.com

Additional reporting by Caitlin McCormack.

Sunscreen for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): A Detailed Guide